Abstract: A freshening composition is provided. The composition includes at least one particle, and an aqueous carrier. The composition includes a polysaccharide system having a first polysaccharide and a second polysaccharide. The first polysaccharide is xanthan gum and the second polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of konjac gum, locust bean gum, tara gum, and combinations thereof. The composition may include an unencapsulated perfume.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for implementing switchable dispensing and/or delivery of scented substances. In one aspect, a device includes a cartridge structured to include one or more chambers containing one or more scented substances contained in a corresponding chamber, a housing structured to include a compartment to hold the cartridge, an opening to allow the scented substances to dispense to an outer environment from the device, and one or more transporting channels formed between the compartment and the opening, in which each of the one or more transporting channels is configured to accelerate a scented substance from the corresponding chamber to the opening, and an actuator switch arranged in a corresponding transporting channel and operable to move between an open position and a closed position based on an applied signal to selectively allow passage of the scented substance from the corresponding transporting path.

Abstract: Delivery devices 100 for controlled discharge of a volatile fluid 118 at a relatively constant rate over a sustained period of time. Volatile fluid 118 may be dispensed in liquid or vapor phase. Rate of fluid discharge from a storage container 103 is controlled by a restriction element 124. Fluid 118 may be urged toward discharge by gravity, wicking, capillary activity, diffusion, pressure internal to the container, evaporation, and/or other fluid transmission through the restriction element 124.

Abstract: A scent delivery system includes a housing that releases a volatile substance from a porous body into the air. The housing may be part of a scent dispersion device that includes volatilization as directed by a fan and a controller within the housing.

Abstract: An article having anti-microbial effect is provided. The article includes an occlusive layer and a substrate having a nanostructured surface. The nanostructured surface is coated with a metal oxide layer and the metal oxide layer includes a metal oxide.

Abstract: A sterile, ready-to-use, flowable haemostatic composition comprises a soluble haemostatic agent comprising a plurality of carriers and a plurality of fibrinogen binding peptides immobilised to the carrier; a biocompatible liquid; and particles of biocompatible cross-linked polysaccharide suitable for use in haemostasis and which are insoluble in the biocompatible liquid. Such compositions may be used for the control of bleeding, especially in surgical procedures.

Abstract: A plasma coating device for treating a wound comprises a plasma chamber having: one or more electrodes, a gas supply inlet, a plasma outlet exposed to ambient pressure, and an ignition system operatively connected to the electrodes for providing a non-thermal equilibrium plasma within the plasma chamber. An aerosol delivery system is operable to introduce a bioresorbable material as an aerosol into the plasma, to produce a coating on the wound surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scaffold preparation method and a scaffold prepared thereby, and more particularly to a method for preparing a scaffold for promoting bone regeneration, the method comprising physically and chemically attaching collagen and SDF-1 to the scaffold, and to a scaffold prepared thereby. According to the present invention, the surface of a scaffold is treated with 3-APTES so that collagen and SDF-1 can be physically and chemically attached to the scaffold, so that the release rate of SDF-1 on the scaffold will not rapidly change even with the passage of time while integrin will recognize SDF-1 of the scaffold as a suitable extracellular matrix, thereby shortening the time required for restoration of bone defects.

Abstract: This invention provides optimized solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which solid substrate comprises aragonite and is characterized by a specific fluid uptake capacity value of at least 75%, or a contact angle value of less than 60 degrees when in contact with a fluid and which is further characterized by tapered sides and tools for implantation of optimized solid substrates.

Abstract: Cardiovascular prostheses for treating, reconstructing and replacing damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue that are formed from acellular extracellular matrix (ECM). The cardiovascular prostheses comprise various compositions, such as ECM based compositions, and structures, such as particulate structures, mesh constructs, encasement structures, coated structures and multi-sheet laminate structures.

Abstract: Provided herein are constructs of micro-aggregate multicellular, minimally polarized grafts containing Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled Receptor (LGR) expressing cells for wound therapy applications, tissue engineering, cell therapy applications, regenerative medicine applications, medical/therapeutic applications, tissue healing applications, immune therapy applications, and tissue transplant therapy applications which preferably are associated with a delivery vector/substrate/support/scaffold for direct application.

Abstract: Provided herein are constructs of micro-aggregate multicellular, minimally polarized grafts containing Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled Receptor (LGR) expressing cells for wound therapy applications, tissue engineering, cell therapy applications, regenerative medicine applications, medical/therapeutic applications, tissue healing applications, immune therapy applications, and tissue transplant therapy applications which preferably are associated with a delivery vector/substrate/support/scaffold for direct application.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the regeneration of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) for bladder regeneration.

Abstract: Provided are tri-component matrices having collagen, hyaluronan, and chondroitin sulfate. Also provided are processes for producing a tri-component matrix. Additionally, provided are processes for providing cells capable of producing cartilage to a bone or cartilage defects.

Abstract: Provided is a malleable implant configured to fit at or near a bone defect site to promote bone growth, the malleable implant comprising: a biodegradable polymer, mineral particles, and an oxysterol, the implant configured to become moldable upon being wetted with a fluid. Methods of making and use are further provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a scaffold useable for tissue regeneration and methods for fabricating the scaffold. The scaffold includes a three-dimensional structure having a tunable porosity with interconnected channels and pores along with adjustable dimensions, and being formed of at least one of a first medium, a second medium, a third medium and a fourth medium. The first medium comprises one or more polymers that are biocompatible and biodegradable. The second medium comprises one or more soluble materials, and is mixable with the first medium. The third medium comprises fillers of one or more insoluble materials having structures with dimensions between 1 nm to 5 mm, and is mixable in a bulk or surface of the first medium or the second medium individually, or in a bulk or surface of a combination of the first and second media. The fourth medium comprises an agent.

Abstract: A drug coating layer on a non-porous nylon elastomer balloon substrate surface comprising a plurality of elongated bodies with long axes wherein each elongated body is formed of a crystal of a water-insoluble drug and is independently formed on the substrate surface, wherein the long axes of the elongated bodies are substantially linear in shape, and the long axes of the elongated bodies form an angle in a predetermined range with respect to a substrate plane with which the long axis of the elongated body intersects. The drug coating layer can provide low toxicity and a high intravascular stenosis inhibitory effect.

Abstract: Compositions, implantation devices and methods for stimulating an immune response to infection are discussed. In some examples, the compositions, implantation devices or methods of regulating the amplification of an adaptive immune response to infection involves use of one or more particles locally at a surgical or implant site to control bacterial infections without detrimental systemic side-effects. In some examples, the particles can be coated or layered onto the surface of an implantable device or material. In other examples, the particles can be injected into the site of implantation.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches methods of controlling the release rate of agents from a polymeric matrix that include designing and creating a predetermined initial morphology (IM) profile in a polymeric matrix. The teachings indicate, inter alia, that control over the release rate of agents can provide for an improved control over the administration of agents as well as have an effect upon the mechanical integrity and absorption rate of the polymeric matrix.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wound management assembly. The wound management assembly comprises a housing and an exudate collector received in the housing. A gap is defined between the housing and the exudate collector to form a channel for fluid passage, wherein the fluid passes into and through the exudate collector and radially enters the channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter element for a blood processing filter, comprising a nonwoven fabric, wherein the quantity of crystallization heat of the uncrystallized portion of the nonwoven fabric is 5 J/g or smaller before steam heat treatment.

Abstract: A device for pooling a blood component stored in source containers includes a pump or pumps configured to pump a fluid in a first direction and a second direction and receive a pump line having a first end connected to the source containers. A pool clamp is configured to receive a pool line having a first end connected to a second end of the pump line and a second end connected to a pool container. A wash clamp is configured to receive a wash line having a first end connected to the second end of the pump line and a second end connected to a wash media container. A controller is configured to open the pool clamp, close the wash clamp and operate the pump in the first direction and to alternatively close the pool clamp, open the wash clamp and operate the pump in the second direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved devices, systems, and methods for the expression and collection of breast milk, such as human breast milk. A breast shield assembly for expression of breast milk may comprise a breast interface and an actuatable assembly interface fluidly coupled with a tube, wherein the breast interface is configured to engage the breast and the actuatable assembly interface is configured to removably couple to an actuatable assembly. The breast shield assembly may comprise an enclosed fluid reservoir extending between the breast interface and the actuatable assembly interface, the fluid reservoir physically separated from the expressed breast milk and filled with a driving fluid comprising a liquid. The breast shield assembly may further comprise a fill port configured to allow addition or removal of the driving fluid to or from the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A total artificial heart for a mammalian cardiovascular system is provided. The total artificial heart has a pump casing including an outer housing and an integral hollow support shaft extending therethrough. The casing defines a first flow path within the outer housing about an exterior of the hollow support shaft and a separate second flow path extending within the hollow support shaft. An annular impeller is housed within the outer housing of the casing for rotation about the hollow support shaft to provide a centrifugal flow pump in the first flow path, and an axial flow impeller is housed within the hollow support shaft of the casing for forming an axial flow pump in the second flow path.

Abstract: A heart pump includes a rotative impeller partly inserted into the systemic ventricle, this rotative impeller being equipped with a membrane sutured to the outer wall of the heart in such a way as to secure the rotative impeller to the wall of the heart, a housing arranged inside the systemic ventricle in such a way as to draw up then discharge blood, a motor connected to the housing and arranged partly outside the systemic ventricle in such a way as to facilitate maintenance; an integrated management unit in the epigastric region including a power supply and a rotative impeller control unit; and a wired link between the management unit and the rotative impeller.

Abstract: A disclosed apparatus or method can include or use a non-transluminally implantantable blood pump housing, which can be sized and shaped to be implanted at an aortic valve of a human subject, the pump housing can include: a pump housing cross-sectional profile size that is larger than is passable via a blood vessel of the human subject; and a power connection, configured for being electrically connected to an intravascular lead that is sized and shaped to extend from the pump housing through a subclavian artery of the human subject.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for use in a hemodialysis machine has a blood flow path for carrying a volume of blood to be treated in a dialyser and a dialysate flow path, isolated from the blood flow path, for delivering a flow of dialysate solution through the dialyser. The cartridge is received in an engine section of the machine. The engine section has first and second platens which close when the cartridge is inserted to retain the cartridge. Actuators and sensors arranged on the second platen control operation of the cartridge.

Abstract: A dialysis system including a housing, a dialysate pump disposed in the housing, and a dialysate line configured to be operatively connected to the dialysate pump such that the dialysate pump can pump dialysate through the dialysate line when the dialysate line is in fluid communication with a dialysate source.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a quantity of blood in a blood reservoir (10) of a perfusion system supplied by a venous line (V), wherein a pump (20) circulates blood from the blood reservoir (10) through an outgoing line(A), comprises a venous flow sensor (22) to measure a venous blood flow rate,an outlet flow sensor (24) to measure an outgoing blood flow rate, and a controller to control the pump (20) to prevent the outgoing blood flow rate from exceeding the venous blood flow rate. Thereby,a decrease of blood in the blood reservoir(10) can be arrested.

Abstract: A dialysis catheter including a first portion having a first diameter, an elongated distal portion having a second smaller diameter, and a transition portion The first portion includes first and second independent blood withdrawal lumens extending in the first portion, the first withdrawal lumen terminating in the transition portion in a first terminal opening and the second withdrawal lumen terminating in a second terminal opening, the first and second terminal openings being radially spaced and axially adjacent. A longitudinally extending blood delivery lumen extends in the first portion and terminates in a delivery opening in the distal portion of the catheter, the first and second terminal openings positioned proximally of the delivery opening and each of the first and second terminal openings having a curved wall surrounding a portion of the terminal opening.

Abstract: Interventional procedures on the carotid arteries are performed through a transcervical access while retrograde blood flow is established from the internal carotid artery to a venous or external location. A system for use in accessing and treating a carotid artery includes an arterial access device, a shunt fluidly connected to the arterial access device, and a flow control assembly coupled to the shunt and adapted to regulate blood flow through the shunt between at least a first blood flow state and at least a second blood flow state. The flow control assembly includes one or more components that interact with the blood flow through the shunt.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of removing soluble NKG2D ligands, including soluble MICA, soluble MICB and soluble ULBP proteins, from blood to treat diseases characterized by abnormal levels of soluble NKG2D ligands. Further provided are systems and devices for carrying out the therapeutic methods.

Abstract: A method for removing fat from salvaged blood includes transferring salvaged blood from a reservoir to a blood component separation device, and separating the blood into a plurality of blood components. The method may then transfer a volume of unwashed blood components from the blood component separation device back toward the reservoir, and recentrifuge the blood components remaining within the blood component separation device. After re-centrifuging, the method transfers additional salvaged blood from the reservoir to the blood component separation device to refill the blood component separation device. The method may then wash the components within the bowl by introducing wash solution into the blood component separation device. The wash solution displaces a volume of fat from the blood component separation device and into a waste container. The method may then empty the washed blood components within the blood component separation device to a product container.

Abstract: A photopheresis system (200) is disclosed, and that may be configured to execute one or more protocols. These protocols include: 1) protocols (400; 430; 460) for purging air out of a centrifuge bowl (210) used by the photopheresis system (200); 2) protocols (500; 510 550) for assessing the installation/operation of one or more pressure domes (330) used by the photopheresis system (200); and 3) protocols (580; 600; 660; 700; 740) for collecting buffy coat from blood processed by the photopheresis system (200).

Abstract: Embodiments are described that include systems and methods for separating components of a composite fluid, e.g., whole blood. Some embodiments provide for processing a composite fluid by subjecting a volume of the fluid to a first centripetal acceleration for an initial separation, followed by a second centripetal acceleration for a second separation.

Abstract: An irrigation system for providing a continuous and controlled flow of a fluid, wherein said irrigation system may include a reservoir system comprising a plurality of containers of fluid; and a fluid transfer system in fluid connection with said reservoir system, said fluid transfer system comprising at least one fluid transfer head.

Abstract: A catheter tip is disclosed comprising a tip electrode comprising a ledge feature, and a center cavity and a manifold assembly comprising a fluid lumen manifold and a stop tube. The stop tube can be coupled to the fluid lumen manifold and configured to abut the ledge feature such that a distal end of the fluid lumen manifold extends a pre-determined distance into the center cavity of the tip electrode. The fluid lumen manifold can comprise a plurality of sideholes which can be sized and configured to distribute an irrigant to the tip electrode. The catheter tip can comprise a flexible tip electrode.

Abstract: A cap and container assembly is disclosed which may be used for human body cavity irrigation or other liquid dispensing activities. The cap may include a first channel extending from a base through a neck portion to an opening in a tip portion of the cap. A side body defining a second channel may extend from the first channel near the neck portion of the cap to an opening at a distal end of the side body. An axial dimension of the tip portion may extend at an angle relative to an axial dimension of the neck portion. Liquid may flow out of the first channel under the influence of gravity and as a result of control of air flow into the second channel.

Abstract: A mounting structure is disclosed for providing support to a user. The disclosed structure can operate a braking mechanism through receipt of an input from a user. The braking mechanism functions to cause the Mounting structure to resist translational movement relative to a support surface, such as the floor of a building. A vertical displacement of an input surface may alter the coefficient of friction between the support surface and the Mounting structure. Such a mounting structure can be employed to assist a user in maintaining their balance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and medical device for tempering an infusion fluid for hypothermia purposes comprising a frame for introducing the device into one or more slots of a rack of given dimension and/or shape, the frame comprising at least one, preferably at least two rail(s) and/or hook(s) for inserting the device into the rack and at least one releasable lock for releasably locking it therein. Furthermore, at least one connector is provided for connecting the device with a central unit for controlling and/or monitoring the device which is adapted to also control and/or monitor at least a further medical device. At least one incoming port is connected to at least one source of infusion fluid adapted to contain infusion fluid during use.

Abstract: A microfluidic intravital window includes an intravital imaging window adapted for implantation adjacent target tissue of a live animal, and a microfluidic fluid source and delivery system physically integrated into the window for controlled delivery of fluids to target tissue via the window. The microfluidic fluid source and delivery system is self-contained and completely located within the intravital imaging window, and includes at least one preloaded fluid reservoir, at least one fluid port in fluidic communication with both the at least one preloaded fluid reservoir and the target tissue, and at least one light activated fluid flow control device situated between the at least one preloaded fluid reservoir and at least one fluid port, to facilitate simultaneous in vivo viewing and remotely controlled fluid delivery to the target tissue.

Abstract: A system to be implanted in a living body for supplying medical substance, such as insulin. The system has a first module (1) having an inlet port (5) for receiving a transcutaneous injection of the medical substance, a second module (2) having a reservoir for storing the medical substance; a first tube (3) allowing the medical substance to flow between the first module and the second module; and a catheter (4) for releasing the stored medical substance into the living body. The first tube (3) allows the first module and second module to be implanted at different locations in the living body.

Abstract: A system for identifying an attribute of an implanted medical device, such as an access port. In one embodiment, the identification system comprises a marker included with the implanted medical device, the marker relating to an attribute of the implanted medical device. An external detection device is also included, comprising a signal source that emits an incident electromagnetic signal for impingement on the marker of the implanted medical device, a detector that detects a return signal from the marker resulting from impingement of the incident electromagnetic signal, and a user interface for conveying information relating to the attribute based on detection of the return signal. In the case of an implantable access port, for instance, the described system enables information, such as the ability of the port to withstand power injection of fluids therethrough, to be ascertained even after the port has been subcutaneously implanted within the patient.

Abstract: An integrated diabetes management (IDM) system includes a safety layer which, in one configuration has two components, one located between a glucose sensor and a controller and a second component located between a controller and a pump, to monitor various aspects of signals and modify those signals for compatibility and safety purposes. In one application, the safety layer receives output control signals from a controller and modifies those control signals as a function of an actual amount of insulin delivered to the user. The safety layer allows for an increased level of safety in the IDM system and permits development of separate hardware and software upgrades with the safety layer assuring that compatibility between components will continue.

Abstract: Method for digitally determining the daily insulin regimen for a diabetic patient. The invention divides the patient's day into adjustable time intervals containing basal insulin dosage rates and Carbohydrate-to-Insulin Ratio(s) (for determining meal insulin doses). The invention identifies the Corrective Insulin doses over a time interval as an “error” in the Prescription Insulin (Basal Insulin+Meal Insulin). Methods involve first estimating the change to one of these two components of Prescription Insulin, and then determining the change to the other by subtracting from the error. One method estimates Change in Meal Insulin distributed among intervals proportional to old Meal Insulin. Another method lumps After-Meal Corrective Insulin together with Meal Insulin. Another method splits the interval at the After-Meal Corrective Dose and determines Basal from Time-Boundary Corrective Dose.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an audible indicator for use with a drug delivery device comprising a bistable resilient force member capable of residing in two states. In a biased state, the resilient force member is biased and stores energy In a relaxed state, the resilient force member is relaxed. The resilient force member releases the stored energy when transitioning from the biased state into the relaxed state, thereby generating an audible signal.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide wearable automatic injection devices for subcutaneously injecting a therapeutic agent into a patient's body at controlled rates, for example, in a single bolus. Exemplary embodiments provide methods for assembling wearable automatic injection devices for subcutaneously injecting a therapeutic agent into a patient's body at controlled rates. Exemplary embodiments provide methods for using wearable automatic injection devices for subcutaneously injecting a therapeutic agent into a patient's body at controlled rates.

Abstract: Disclosed in some forms is a delivery device for delivering a gel or liquid pharmaceutical to a treatment site, the delivery device including a body extending from a delivery tip, the body defining a cavity for retaining a pharmaceutical or a pre-assembled cartridge holding the pharmaceutical; and a driver for mechanically discharging the pharmaceutical from the cartridge to the delivery tip. In some forms the driver is adapted to release a consistent flow of the pharmaceutical. In some forms the delivery device is biased into a release configuration.

Abstract: A method and assembly are disclosed for interfacing between a drug cartridge and a drug delivery device. Optionally, the drug delivery device includes a compartment that retains the cartridge during drug delivery and/or a stopper pushing assembly mounted to the device behind (proximal to) the compartment. In some embodiments, the cartridge may be inserted laterally into the compartment in front of the pushing assembly. For example, the delivery device may include a moving cartridge bay. The cartridge is optionally inserted into the bay and/or the bay and cartridge optionally move into the cartridge compartment. Alternatively or additionally, the cartridge compartment may have a proximal opening into which the cartridge is inserted and/or the pushing assembly may be moved into position after insertion of the cartridge. In some embodiments the cartridge may have a distal seal that is broken by a longitudinal movement.

Abstract: Provided is a micro-jet drug injection device comprising: a pressure chamber having a pressure driving liquid hermetically filled therein; a drug chamber having a micro nozzle defined in a wall; an elastic membrane elastically expandable and restorable and to separate the pressure chamber from the drug chamber; an energy-focusing unit concentrating energy on the pressure driving liquid in the pressure chamber; and the storage unit supplying the drug solution therein into the drug chamber through a drug supply channel. The drug chamber has a partial inner space defined therein. The partial inner space is in fluid communication with the drug supply channel and is partially defined by the membrane. A nozzle closure is disposed inside or outside the drug chamber. The nozzle closure blocks inflow of air outside the micro-nozzle into the partial inner space after the elastic membrane has expanded and before elastic recovery of the membrane is completed.